Inflated package, precursor and method

Abstract

Inflated packages custom-designed to meet the needs of a variety of packaging needs, package precursors (i.e., packages in an un-inflated state), and methods for forming package precursors and converting package precursors into finished packages. Nozzle and needle inflated embodiments are included.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A package precursor for an inflatable package comprising:
 a package precursor width; 
 a package precursor length; 
 two panels defined by first and second inflatable areas and having at least one hinge located between said two panels, said two panels and said hinge succeeding each other respectively along said package precursor length and each of said two panels and said hinge extend across said packet precursor width, said two panels being inflatable to said package precursor width; and 
 an inflation port that provides inflation fluid to the inflatable areas, the inflation port being within a manifold located externally to said two panels and said hinge, wherein the inflation port includes an inlet area connectable to a source of inflation fluid for inflating said two panels, and a sealing point that is sealable after inflation of the precursor to isolate the inflatable areas from the inlet area, said two panels being placeable at an angle around said hinge to form a cover for a corner, the package precursor thereby being placeable on a corner of a product and configured to fit on said corner when inflated without folding or wrapping around said product. 
 
     
     
       2. A package precursor as described in  claim 1 , wherein said two panels include article receiving areas comprised of at least one un-inflatable area, or comprised of separate inflatable areas within each panel forming a cushion for the articles. 
     
     
       3. A package precursor as described in  claim 2 , wherein each cushion comprises a separate inflation port. 
     
     
       4. A package precursor according to  claim 2 , wherein said at least one uninflatable area comprises air conduits from said inflation port to said inflatable areas. 
     
     
       5. The package precursor of  claim 1 , wherein said hinge is inflatable over a width that is smaller than said package precursor width. 
     
     
       6. The package precursor of  claim 1 , wherein said hinge is uninflatable. 
     
     
       7. An inflated package comprising:
 a package length; 
 a package width; 
 two panels extending along said package length and defined by inflated areas respectively, and at least one area in between said two panels along said package length forming a hinge, said two panels and said hinge respectively extending across said package width and said two panels being inflated to said package width in said inflated areas; and 
 a manifold external to said two panels and said hinge, said manifold comprising an inflation port that provides inflation fluid to the inflated areas, 
 wherein the inflation port includes an inlet area connectable to a source of inflation fluid for inflating said two panels, and a seal isolating the inflated areas from the inlet area, said two panels being angled around said hinge to form a cover for a corner, the inflated package thereby being for placing on a corner of a product and configured to fit on said corner as inflated, without folding or wrapping around said product. 
 
     
     
       8. An inflated package as described in  claim 7 , wherein said two panels include article receiving areas comprised of at least one un-inflated area, or comprised of separate inflated areas within each panel, the inflated areas forming a cushion for the articles. 
     
     
       9. An inflated package as described in  claim 8 , wherein each cushion comprises a separate inflation port. 
     
     
       10. An inflated package according to  claim 7 , wherein at least one uninflated area comprises air conduits from said inflation port to said inflated areas. 
     
     
       11. A product in combination with at least one inflated package located on the product, the product comprising corners;
 the inflated package comprising:
 a width; 
 a length; 
 two panels defined by inflated areas respectively, and at least one area in between said two panels forming a hinge, said two panels and the hinge extending across said width and succeeding one another respectively along said length, said two panels being inflated across said width; and 
 a manifold, the manifold being external to said two panels and said hinge along said length, the manifold comprising an inflation port that provides inflation fluid to the inflated areas, 
 
 wherein the inflation port includes an inlet area connectable to a source of inflation fluid for inflating said two panels, and a seal isolating the inflated areas from the inlet area, said two panels being angled around said hinge to form a cover for a corner of said product, the at least one inflated package being placed on one corner of said product and fitting on said corner as inflated, without folding or wrapping around said product.